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It’s good news for the many motorists who will be making the journey home from a glorious holiday in KwaZulu-Natal this week, as the petrol price is set to hit its lowest since 2022.
After weeks of sunshine, sea swims, braais, and beach walks in and around Durban, thousands of holidaymakers are packing up to drive back inland – and the timing couldn’t be better.
According to month-end data from the Central Energy Fund, January 2026 is shaping up to bring a welcome fuel price drop, offering some financial relief just as the long road trips begin.
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What’s happening at the pumps?
From Wednesday, 7 January, motorists can expect petrol prices to ease by between 59 and 64 cents per litre, with Petrol 93 dropping by around 59c and Petrol 95 by about 64c.
Diesel users are in for an even bigger win, with wholesale diesel prices expected to fall by between R1.35 and R1.47 per litre, while illuminating paraffin is set to decrease by R1.08 per litre.
What’s behind the petrol price drop?
A combination of stable global oil prices and a stronger rand, which has had a particularly good time of late.
The rand strengthened by around 13% against the US dollar in 2025, buoyed by improved local market confidence, a stable Government of National Unity, South Africa’s removal from the FATF grey list, and positive global commodity trends.
Over December, the rand hovered comfortably around R16.60 to the dollar, helping drive fuel price relief at the pumps.
Safer roads this Festive Season
But it’s not just fuel prices delivering good news this festive season.
Reports indicate that KwaZulu-Natal has also recorded a historic decrease in road fatalities and crashes, a welcome development as traffic volumes surged over December.
From the start of the festive season to 2 January 2026, road crashes dropped by 8%, while fatalities decreased by a significant 13% compared to the same period last year.
Authorities have credited this improvement to intensified law enforcement under the #NenzaniLaEzweni operation, which saw thousands of motorists stopped, tested, and arrested for offences including drunk driving and speeding.
So, if you’re heading home from KZN’s beaches, bergs, and bush escapes, there’s a lot to be thankful for: cheaper fuel, safer roads, and memories of a great summer holiday.
Drive safely, take it slowly, and enjoy that lighter touch at the pump!
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